Grants Pass, Ore. — The teens in the missing plane that was scheduled to arrive in Grants Pass Monday night were honored at a vigil Tuesday.
The plane was rented by Grants Pass man John Belnap and also carried his son Max and friend Ryan Merker. They took off from Brookings Monday evening, and never made it to Grants Pass. Authorities believe the plane crashed into the ocean.
Friends, family members, and staff at Grants Pass High School shared memories of the two teens Tuesday. They said they were loved by many, were always making people laugh, and were a very adventurous pair.
“It’s so sad they had to go to heaven, but they went doing something they loved,” friend Alyssa Kennedy said.
That was Ryan’s first plane ride. His dad, Darren Merker, spoke at the vigil. He said his son called him and asked for permission before they left.
“Mom, dad, I got a chance to fly for the first time. Can I go? I got to get your approval. And we said, ‘yes go for it.’ As much as I love him I can’t keep him in a glass bubble. He’s got to go out there and explore,” Merker said.
The pair called a friend on FaceTime from the runway. She said they were excited and smiling, and that’s the best last memory she could have of the two.
Max was a co-captain of the Grants Pass track team. Ryan was a pole vaulter. Friends said they both had multiple siblings. Max has two younger sisters and a younger brother. Ryan has two older brothers.
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